Asphalt is the most widely used material for paving road surfaces globally, and this has been the case for over 100 years. Asphalt pavement is made of a mixture of asphalt binder, aggregate (generally sand), water, and additives that give asphalt its unique properties. An asphalt pavement is often designed to be flexible with minimal cracking, which is why they are so popular. Asphalt pavement has other advantages too: low cost, durability, long life span, and ease of installation.
Asphalt pavement requires maintenance to ensure its longevity and continued serviceability. As such, asphalt paving companies typically provide preventive maintenance services and repair or reconstruction services when necessary. This is how the life expectancy of an asphalt pavement can be extended by many years – or even decades.
Asphalt preventive maintenance should be done at least twice a year or more. As a property owner, you want to make sure your pavement is in good condition. Routine preventative maintenance ensures the safety of all who use it, including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. It also reduces repair costs because most major damage occurs as a result of neglecting minor issues.
To help you maintain your asphalt pavement and keep it in tip-top shape, we have compiled this brief checklist. Do your best to follow it strictly to get the best return on your asphalt investment.
Sweep the Premises
You will need to sweep your property to remove any debris which can damage the pavement. Dirt and debris cause water to accumulate on pavement, creating the perfect environment for erosion. Thus, debris and dirt should be removed from all surfaces by regular sweeping.
Also, make sure to remove all weeds as they can grow into the cracks in your pavement and cause damage.
Find the Cracks and Seal Them
Look for cracks in your asphalt pavement. A crack is a break in the surface of an asphalt pavement. Cracks may be caused by many different factors, including:
- Aging or shrinking asphalt
- More than one pavement which do not line up well during construction
- High-traffic zones where vehicles are constantly driving over the same spot on the road and creating repetitive stress points at that point
- Soil settlement
The most common crack in asphalt is the longitudinal crack that appears parallel to a roadway lane. In addition, transverse cracks may appear perpendicular or at an angle to the direction of traffic flow in areas with high repetitive stresses from heavy vehicle loads and vehicular turning movements.
It is essential to seal the cracks as soon as you identify them. Asphalt sealant is a liquid material that can be applied to asphalt surfaces to patch cracks and holes and waterproof the surface from moisture penetration.
Sealcoat Your Asphalt
Sealcoating not only gives your surface aesthetic appeal – it also creates an invisible barrier which protects the asphalt from harmful elements including water seepage, dirt and debris, and exposure to the sun’s UV rays. Without sealcoating, asphalt pavement will be more susceptible to wear. It is best to sealcoat every 2 – 3 years.
Restore Faded Pavement Markings
Faded pavement markings can be a severe safety hazard for both motorists and pedestrians. Faded pavement markings must be repainted as soon as possible to avoid any vehicle accidents or pedestrian injuries.
The team at Laurel Asphalt is committed to providing you the best asphalt services in Ebensburg, PA. Our highly experienced staff would be happy to answer any questions or concerns that you may have about preventive maintenance on asphalt surfaces. Get in touch for a free estimate today!
